The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-08

Every exertion will be made by our citizens as
well by the 10000 veterans then
your visi. pleasant and your stay interesting.
1t is rumored that you are planning tour
through the West and South. and we sincerely
hope you make it convenient to DO In ST.
Louis dnring the time above mentioned. Allow
us to suggest that compliments more fitting
could be bestowed upon the valiant defenders OF
N common country by the chief executive OF
restored Union, and none would be more highly
appreciated, than that conferred by his presence
1t such time and place. Awaiting your favor
able response we have the honor to be. sir,
''Yours Respectfully.
DAVIS S. FRANCIS.
'tMayor of the city of St Louis
FRANK GAIENNIE.
president of the Merchants Exchange.
john w. NOBLE.
Commander Frank p. Blair Post No. /. G.
A. R."
THE PRESIDENTS RESPONSE.
ST. LOUIS, July Mayor Francis, as chair
man of a special committee appointed in Febru-
lry last by the general executive committee
having in charge the preparations for the Grand
Army encampment to invite President Cleveland
20 visit this city received the following response
by mail to-day:
"ExEcUrIvE MANSION,
WAsHINGToN, July A, 1879
sTo David r. Francis, Mayor of the City Of st;
Louis; Frank Gaienne. PRESIDENT Of the Merchants
p. Blair Post, No 1. G. A. r.. Committee:
"Gentlemen-While have hitherto made no
formal ponse to your invitation. given In Feoru-
ary last, to myself and Mrs. Cleveland, to attend
the national encampment of the Graad Army or
the Republic, TO be held in St Louis. from the
9th to the Both of September next, have YER
bally indicated my purpose to accept 1t II snoulo
find it possible then to be absent from Washing
ton.
Tho statement contained in your letter that
the organization was never IN so hourlshlng
condition as its membership so large:
that no effort is being spared by the citizens OF
ST. Louis to insure a welcome Of unusual warmth
at this. the first encAmpment of that body ever
held IN a Southern State, and your suggestion
that no compliment more fitting could De De-
slowed upon the valiant defenders OF common
country by the chief executive of restored
Union and would be more highly appre-
Grated than that conferred by his presence at
such a time and place enlisted my feeling and
ilterest More recently. indications have dis
closed that, however correctly you expressed tins
prevailing sentiment in the Grand Army. there
members of some posts OF that body enter
tanning different feelings in respect to my &C
eeptance. and that my acceptance of your invl-
tation would lead to dscord in the organization
well as an interruption OF corolalty
ut the coming encampment. without enter
ing into q discussion of these opinions, and I'M
moved by any feeling. although deeply regret
the condition, l but regard 1t NV duty to
refrain from contributing by my action TO so
undesirable a result Nothing can be of greater
than the free and unrestrained manifestation by
it's participants of that patriotic fraternity or
feeling suggested by the selection of tie place of
holding it, and which is at once the proof of the
complete success of their arms and the highest
yory OF our veteran soldiers. / am constrained,
therefore, to withhold my purDosed acceptance
Of your invitation. In doing so l insure you or
my unfeigned hope and sincere wish that In the
agreeable entertainment prepared for them by
the hospitable people of St. Louis the veterans
VI the Grand Army may enjoy the most pleas
mt profitable and useful reunion In their MS
DRY. Very truly yours,
"GROvER CLEVELAND"